Making Use of Stalled and Vacant Developments

The plan is being called a 'green development agreement', and is being pushed by Mayor Gavin Newsom. It could go up for legislative approval next month. Possible uses of vacant spaces include gardens, city tree farms, and carbon sinks.

"The effort began after a 2009 Chronicle series on lots that are left to languish during economic slumps. The problem is especially vivid south of Market Street, where large sites were cleared for towers that now are on hold because of economic uncertainty.

At present, entitlements for many large projects must be renewed each year. While extensions are granted routinely, the sites sit bare and often attract graffiti and trash."